With nothing left to do and an hour to kill, Melanie curled up on the end of the sofa with a book she had started reading earlier in the week. But she couldn't stay with the story. Brown eyes, buzz cut hair, dimple in the chin and one in one cheek, thick lower lip, hints of humor in his eyes, and his grin, kept intruding. She was becoming more and more attracted to him, but flash-backs to Rick's betrayal kept her wary of becoming too involved. As a friend, he was the best. Anything more would just have to wait until she was ready to trust again.
* * *
Russ had also spent the week focusing on work while he was working, but in his off-time, he thought about Melanie. He knew what he wanted, but he also knew he had a long road ahead gaining her trust. Being a good friend to her was the only way to win her heart, but when he wanted something badly enough, he could be extremely disciplined and patient. And he wanted Melanie with everything he had in him.